Sample collection by directed air flow for scent detection

ABSTRACT

In an example, a sample collection apparatus to collect sample from a detection subject disposed in a sample collection zone includes a circumferential ring tubing surrounding an interior and configured to be moved between first ring tubing position and second ring tubing position. The circumferential ring tubing includes air nozzles along a circumferential length of the ring tubing to direct targeted air flow within the sample collection zone as the ring tubing is moved between the first ring tubing position and the second ring tubing position, to blow air toward the detection subject in the sample collection zone in the interior and to push a sample of the detection subject via an air flow toward a receptacle. Adjustable actuators are affixed along a periphery of the circumferential ring tubing to adjust the circumferential length of the circumferential ring tubing between a first circumferential length and a second circumferential length.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

100011 The application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 17/210,326, filed on Mar. 23, 2021, entitled SAMPLE COLLECTIONAPPARATUS FOR SCENT DETECTION, which claims the benefit of priority fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/092,903, filed on Oct. 16,2020, entitled CANINE TESTING AND DETECTION AIDE, the entire disclosuresof which are incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

The present invention was made by employees of the United StatesDepartment of Homeland Security in the performance of their officialduties. The U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention.

FIELD

The discussion below relates generally to systems and methods offacilitating detection and testing of illicit substances utilizingcanine or the like.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 10,123,509 discloses enhancing air flow with fans in vaporwake detection for detecting explosives and other illicit substances.With vapor wake detection, a handler positions a canine in a desiredlocation and the canine detects scents in the air that come to thecanine. When the canine detects a trained scent such as a bomb scent,the canine follows behind the carrier of the item with the scent andleads the handler to the carrier.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatuses andmethods for directing not only vapor but also particles from a detectionsubject or carrier to a detection area for detecting explosives or otherillicit substances, for instance, by a canine trained in scentdetection. In some embodiments, a canine testing and detection aide ismore focused and separates the dog from the detection subjects. Thesample collection apparatus may be configured to collect particles aswell as vapor of the detection subject for detection and thus greatlyincreases the sample size.

In accordance with an aspect, a sample collection apparatus to collectsample from a detection subject comprises: a circumferential ring tubingsurrounding an interior and configured to be moved generally verticallybetween a bottom ring tubing position and a top ring tubing position,the circumferential ring tubing including a plurality of air nozzlesalong a circumferential length of the circumferential ring tubing todirect air flow toward the interior as the circumferential ring tubingis moved from the top ring tubing position to the bottom ring tubingposition, to blow air toward the detection subject in a samplecollection zone in the interior of the circumferential ring tubing asthe circumferential ring tubing is moved from the top ring tubingposition to the bottom ring tubing position, and to push a sample of thedetection subject via an air flow forward toward a platform on which thedetection subject is positioned, the sample including at least one ofparticles and vapor of the detection subject; and a receptacle disposedbelow the platform to collect the sample of the detection subjectcarried by the air flow through a plurality of collection openings ofthe platform to the receptacle.

Another aspect is directed to a sample collection method to collectsample from a detection subject. The method comprises: placing acircumferential ring tubing at a ring tubing initiation position at ornear an initiation end of the detection subject, the circumferentialring tubing surrounding an interior; moving the circumferential ringtubing translationally from the ring tubing initiation position to aring tubing collection position at or near a platform to which thedetection subject is connected, blowing air through a plurality of airnozzles along a circumferential length of the circumferential ringtubing to direct air flow toward the interior as the circumferentialring tubing is moved from the ring tubing initiation position to thering tubing collection position to blow air toward the detection subjectin a sample collection zone in the interior of the circumferential ringtubing as the circumferential ring tubing is moved from the ring tubinginitiation position to the ring tubing collection position, and to pusha sample of the detection subject via an air flow forward toward theplatform to which the detection subject is connected, the sampleincluding at least one of particles and vapor of the detection subject;and collecting the sample of the detection subject carried by the airflow in a receptacle disposed adjacent the platform through a pluralityof collection openings of the platform to the receptacle.

In accordance with another aspect, a sample collection apparatus tocollect sample from a detection subject comprises: a sample receptacle;and a circumferential ring tubing surrounding an interior and configuredto be moved between an ring tubing initiation position and a ring tubingcollection position, the circumferential ring tubing including aplurality of air nozzles along a circumferential length of thecircumferential ring tubing to direct air flow toward the interior asthe circumferential ring tubing is moved from the ring tubing initiationposition forward to the ring tubing collection position, to blow airtoward the detection subject in a sample collection zone in the interiorof the circumferential ring tubing as the circumferential ring tubing ismoved from the ring tubing initiation position to the ring tubingcollection position, and to push a sample of the detection subject viaan air flow forward toward the sample receptacle, the sample includingat least one of particles and vapor of the detection subject.

Other features and aspects of various examples and embodiments willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the followingdetailed description which discloses, in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, examples that explain features in accordance withembodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essentialfeatures, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention, whichis defined solely by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The attached drawings help explain the embodiments described below.

FIG. 1A is a front view of an example of a sample collection apparatusfor collecting a sample for scent detection according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a simplified top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an example of an open screening portal whichincludes a sample collection apparatus for collecting a sample for scentdetection according to another embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an example of an enclosed screening portalwhich includes a sample collection apparatus for collecting a sample forscent detection according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a simplified top view of an air ring in the sample collectionapparatus of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example of a control system of thesample collection apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a sample collectionprocess.

FIG. 7 illustrates a computing system including logic according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A number of examples or embodiments of the present invention aredescribed, and it should be appreciated that the present inventionprovides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in avariety of ways. The embodiments discussed herein are merelyillustrative of ways to make and use the invention and are not intendedto limit the scope of the invention. Rather, as will be appreciated byone of skill in the art, the teachings and disclosures herein can becombined or rearranged with other portions of this disclosure along withthe knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 1A is a front view of an example of a sample collection apparatusfor collecting a sample for scent detection according to an embodiment.FIG. 1B is a simplified top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A.

An air ring 100 is disposed at a top ring position 100A above thedetection subject 104 typically standing in a sample collection zone 110such as a passenger portal at a passenger screening area or checkpoint.The air ring 100 may be a circumferential ring tubing 100 formed of onecontinuous tubing or a plurality of linear and/or curvilinear tubesconnected together. It includes a plurality of air nozzles 120 that aredistributed along a circumferential length of the air ring 100 andpointed inwardly toward an interior (e.g., center or central axis) ofthe sample collection zone 110 and downwardly toward the bottom of thesample collection zone 110. The range of possible nozzle angles may bebetween about 0° (horizontally inward) and less in magnitude than about−90° (vertically downward), or between 0° and about −60° (partiallyinward and partially downward), or between 0° and about −30°, or betweenabout 5° and about −15°. The air ring 100 may be controlled to move orslide downwardly from the top ring position 110A to a lower position110B, for instance, down to a bottom ring position at or near a bottomof the detection subject such as a platform on which the detectionsubject 104 stands. The air flow forms a sheet of air acting as aboundary layer that pushes particles and vapor as a sample of thedetection subject 104 downward, for instance, toward a samplereceptacle.

The plurality of air nozzles 120 along the circumferential length of thecircumferential ring tubing 100 direct air flow toward the interior asthe circumferential ring tubing 100 is moved from the top ring tubingposition 100A to the bottom ring tubing position to blow air toward thedetection subject 104 in the sample collection zone 110 in the interior,to push a sample of the detection subject 104 via an air flow downwardtoward the platform on which the detection subject 104 is positioned.The sample includes particles and/or vapor of the detection subject 104.

The nozzle angles of the air nozzles 120 may be fixed or adjustable. Inone embodiment, the nozzle angle may be fixed during movement of the airring 100 from the top ring position 100A to the bottom ring position. Inanother embodiment, the nozzle angle may be adjusted during movement ofthe air ring 100 from the top ring position 100A to the bottom ringposition; this may improve sample collection. The air ring tubing 100may have a circular cross-section and the nozzles 120 may be configuredto be rotatable around the circular cross-section of the air ring tubing100 to adjust the nozzle angle. A nozzle controller may be provided torotate the nozzles 120 during movement of the air ring 100 from the topring position 100A to the bottom ring position. The nozzle angle may beadjusted as a function of the vertical or translational position of theair ring 100. For instance, the nozzle angle may gradually change to anincreasingly downward orientation as the air ring 100 moves closer tothe bottom ring position to push the sample toward the collectionreceptacle more effectively.

As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the air ring 100 has an oval or ellipticalshape with a major diameter and a minor diameter. In another embodiment,the air ring 100 may be a circle. Still other embodiments may provideother linear and/or curvilinear shapes for the air ring 100. The ring100 of nozzles 120 may have an adjustable lateral position (e.g.,varying major and minor diameters) to keep the nozzles in closeproximity of the detection subject 104 (i.e., moving inwardly to form asmaller ring around the head, moving outwardly to form a larger ringaround the shoulder and the core and the hip, and moving inwardly toform a smaller ring around the lower legs).

FIG. 2 is a front view of an example of an open screening portal whichincludes a sample collection apparatus for collecting a sample for scentdetection according to another embodiment. An air ring 200 slides from atop ring position 200A above the detection subject typically standing ina sample collection zone 210. It includes a plurality of air nozzles 220that are pointed inwardly toward the interior of the sample collectionzone 210 and downwardly toward the bottom of the sample collection zone210. At the bottom is a platform 230 on which the detection subject maystand or to which the detection subject is connected. The air ring 200is controlled to move or slide downwardly from the top ring position200A to a bottom ring position at or near the platform 230. A samplereceptacle 240 may be disposed below the platform 230 which includes aplurality of collection receptors 244 such as perforations or openingsthrough the platform 230, to collect the sample of the detection subjectcarried by the air flow through the plurality of collection receptors244 of the platform 230 to the receptacle 240.

The air flow from the air ring 200 of nozzles 220 forms a sheet of airacting as a boundary layer that pushes particles and vapor of thedetection subject downward toward the collection receptors 244. Thisaction causes the air flow to drive particles and vapor of the detectionsubject through the collection receptors 244 to the sample receptacle240. A vacuum or negative pressure 270 may be provided to help draw theair flow into the sample receptacle 240. A receptor tunnel or receptorchannel 250 may be connected to the sample receptacle 240 to direct theair flow of particles and vapor collected at the sample receptacle 240toward an outlet 260 where a dog is located to perform scent detectionof the sample. One benefit is the dog can be separated from thedetection subject and does not interact with the detection subject,unlike the approach disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,123,509.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an example of an enclosed screening portalwhich includes a sample collection apparatus for collecting a sample forscent detection according to another embodiment. An air ring 300 isdisposed inside the enclosed screening portal or enclosure 304 which maybe open or closed. An open enclosure 304 may have an enclosure openingfor the detection subject to enter and exit the enclosure 304. Inanother example, there may be an entrance enclosure opening and an exitenclosure opening for the detection subject to walk into the enclosure,get tested, and walk through and out of the enclosure 304. The enclosureopening(s) may include door(s) that can be closed to provide a morecontrolled environment of a closed enclosure in which to drive thesample using the ring 300 of air nozzles and collect the sample.

The air ring 300 may be a pneumatic ring employing a plurality ofsensors for detecting the shape and size of the detection subject toproduce detection data, which may then be used to control adjustment ofthe circumferential length of the circumferential ring tubing 300. Theair ring 300 may include a plurality of air blowers or nozzles forblowing air inwardly toward the interior of a sample collection zone 310and downwardly toward the bottom of the sample collection zone 310. Toguide up and down movements of the pneumatic ring 300, stanchions orlines 320 may be used. The stanchions 320 may be fixed and may beattached to the base or platform 330 and/or the top of the enclosure304. The stanchions 320 may be rigid or flexible laterally. Thepneumatic ring 300 is slidably attached to the translational stanchions320 to travel translationally between a top ring position and a bottomring position. In one example, the stanchions are vertical stanchions320. The bottom ring position may be at the platform 330 or a shortdistance (e.g., several inches) above the platform 330.

A sample receptacle 340 may be disposed below or adjacent the platform330 which includes a plurality of collection receptors such asperforations or openings through the platform 330. The air flow from theair ring 300 of nozzles forms a sheet of air acting as a boundary layerthat pushes a sample of particles and vapor of the detection subjectdownward toward the collection receptors through the platform 330,driving the sample through the collection receptors to the samplereceptacle 340. A vacuum or negative pressure may be provided to helpdraw the air flow into the sample receptacle 340. A receptor tunnel orreceptor channel 350 may be connected to the sample receptacle 340 todirect the air flow of particles and vapor collected at the samplereceptacle 340 through an outlet 360 to a sample analysis location wherethe collected sample is analyzed.

One or more translational movement actuators 370 may be used to controltranslational movement of the air ring 300 along the stanchions 320. Inone example, the actuators are vertical movement actuators 370. In otherexamples, the translational movement is not vertical but any forward andbackward movement, including inclined movement and even horizontalmovement. Furthermore, the vertical movement actuators 370 may move theair ring 300 upward from the bottom ring tubing position to the top ringtubing position for collecting the sample, instead of downward. Ingeneral, the air ring 300 starts from a ring tubing initiation positionat or near an initiation end of the detection subject (top air ringposition at or above the top of the detection subject in the examples ofFIGS. 2 and 3) and is driven forward (downward in the examples of FIGS.2 and 3) by the translational movement actuators 370 to a ring tubingcollection position at or near a collection end of the detection subject(bottom air ring position at or near the bottom of the detection subjectin the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3) for sample collection. The “forward”direction is downward in FIGS. 2 and 3, but may be an upward directionin another embodiment and may be any other nonvertical direction inother embodiments. The translational movement actuators 370 may bedisposed on the air ring 300 or the stanchions 320, or connected theretofrom a remote location, and these actuators 370 may be mechanical,pneumatic, electrical, or the like. This is one example mechanism ormeans for guiding forward movement of the circumferential ring tubing300 between the ring tubing initiation position and the ring tubingcollection position. Other mechanisms, which may be mechanical or ofsome other type, can be used in other embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a simplified top view of an example of an air ring in thesample collection apparatus of FIG. 3. The air ring is a circularpneumatic air ring 400. In other embodiments, the air ring 400 may beoval or elliptical or some other linear and/or curvilinear shape.

The pneumatic air ring 400 may include a plurality of pneumatic devices410 for driving air through the air nozzles 430 toward the samplecollection zone 450 (310 in FIG. 3). The pneumatic devices 410 may becontrolled locally or remotely by an operator and/or a computer. Thepneumatic devices 410 may be activated only when the air ring 400 ismoved from the top ring position or top ring tubing position to thebottom ring position or bottom ring tubing position.

The air ring 400 may include a plurality of circumferential lengthadjusting devices or actuators 440 for adjusting the size of the airring 400. The air ring 400 shrinks or contracts in size when thecircumferential length is decreased and expands in size when thecircumferential length is increased. The circumferential length of theair ring tubing 400 may be changed in a telescoping manner utilizing atelescoping construction of overlapping circumferential tubes forforming the air ring tubing 400. The circumferential length adjustingdevices 440 may be controlled locally or remotely by an operator and/ora computer, based on operator input and/or sensor input. This is oneexample mechanism or means for adjusting a circumferential length of thecircumferential ring tubing to contract the circumferential ring tubingby decreasing the circumferential length and to expand thecircumferential ring tubing by increasing the circumferential length.Other mechanisms, which may be mechanical or of some other type, can beused in other embodiments.

In one embodiment, the circumferential length adjusting devices 440adjust the size of the air ring 400 based at least in part on sensors420 that detect the shape and size of the detection subject. The sensors420 may be disposed on the air ring 400. One example is a Lidar sensor.Lidar is an acronym for “light detection and ranging” and is sometimescalled “laser scanning” or “3D scanning.” The technology uses eye-safelaser beams to create a 3D representation of the surveyed environment.In this example, the Lidar sensor detects or maps the outline or outersurface (shape and size) of the body of the detection subject. This isone example mechanism or means for mapping an outer surface of thedetection subject to produce mapping data. The detection information canbe used to adjust the size of the air ring 400. For example, thedetection information may be used to keep a consistent distance betweenthe air ring 400 and the body while traveling from head to toe. Acomputerized process may be used to link the detection result of thesensors 420 via computer control to the circumferential length adjustingdevices 440 to change the size of the air ring 400 to keep the distancebetween the air ring 400 and the body consistent (e.g., within a presetdistance range of several inches or the like). This is one examplemechanism or means for adjusting the circumferential length of thecircumferential ring tubing, based on the mapping data, to keep adistance between the circumferential ring tubing and the outer surfaceof the detection subject to within a preset distance range. Othermechanisms, which may be mechanical or of some other type, can be usedin other embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows four pneumatic devices 410, four sensors 420, and fourcircumferential length adjusting devices 440, which may be distributedevenly along the circumferential length of the air ring 400. More orfewer pneumatic devices 410, sensors 420, and circumferential lengthadjusting devices 440 may be used. The number of sensors 420 and thenumber of circumferential length adjusting devices 440 may be differentfrom one another in some embodiments.

A plurality of air blowers or nozzles 430 are distributed along thecircumferential length of the air ring 400 for blowing air inwardlytoward the interior of the sample collection zone 450 and downwardlytoward the bottom of the sample collection zone 450 such as the platform330. To guide up and down movements of the pneumatic ring 400, thestanchions 320 of FIG. 3 may be provided between the base or platform330 and the top of the enclosure 404. The stanchions 320 may be fixed atthe top and/or the bottom but have sufficient lateral flexibility orcompliance to accommodate the shrinking and expansion of the air ring400 as it slides up and down the sample collection zone 450.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example of a control system of thesample collection apparatus according to an embodiment. These mayinclude control of the translational movement of the air ring tubing 400using the translational movement actuators 370, control of thecircumferential length adjustment of the air ring tubing 400 using thecircumferential length adjusting devices 440, control of the nozzleangle of the nozzles 430 by rotating the nozzles 430, and control of theair flow through the air nozzles 430 on the air ring tubing 400 usingthe pneumatic devices 410.

The translational movement actuators 370 may be controlled by one ormore translational movement controllers 570, which may be disposed onthe air ring 400 or the stanchions 320, or connected to thetranslational movement actuators 370 from a remote location. Thecontrollers 570 may be separate from or integrally constructed with thetranslational movement actuators 370, to control translational movementof the air ring 400 along the stanchions 320. The control may involvemoving the air ring 400 to an initial position at the top ring positionfor a current sample collection cycle, controlling the speed of descentfrom the top ring position, moving the air ring 400 to a final positionat the bottom ring position, and returning the air ring 400 to the topring position for the next sample collection cycle. The control may bemanually set by the operator or automatically set by a computer, or acombination of both.

The circumferential length adjusting devices 440 may be controlled byone or more circumferential length adjusting controllers 540, which maybe disposed on the air ring 400 or connected to the circumferentiallength adjusting devices 440 from a remote location. The controllers 540may be separate from or integrally constructed with the circumferentiallength adjusting devices 440, to control circumferential lengthadjustment of the air ring 400 to change the circumferential size of theair ring 400, for example, to maintain the distance between the air ring400 and the body of the detection subject to within a preset distancerange. The controllers 540 may control the circumferential lengthadjusting devices 440 to change the circumferential size of the air ring400, locally or remotely by an operator and/or a computer, based onoperator input and/or sensor input of the sensors 420. The control maybe manually set by the operator or automatically set by a computer, or acombination of both.

The nozzle angles of the nozzles 430 may be controlled by one or morenozzle controllers 530 to orient the nozzles 430 at specified anglestoward the detection subject. The nozzle controllers 530 may be disposedon the air ring 400 or connected to the nozzles 430 from a remotelocation, to control the nozzle angles locally or remotely by anoperator and/or a computer, based on operator input and/or vertical ortranslational position of the air ring 400 (e.g., in coordination withthe translational movement controllers 570).

The pneumatic devices 410 may be controlled by one or more pneumaticcontrollers 510 for blowing air through the air nozzles 430 toward thesample collection zone 450. The pneumatic controllers 510 may bedisposed on the air ring 400 or connected to the pneumatic devices 410from a remote location. The controllers 510 may be separate from orintegrally constructed with the pneumatic devices 410, to control theair flow through the air nozzles 430, locally or remotely by an operatorand/or a computer. The pneumatic devices 410 may be activated only whenthe air ring 400 is moved from the top ring position or top ring tubingposition to the bottom ring position or bottom ring tubing position.

The pneumatic controllers 510, circumferential length adjustingcontrollers 540, nozzle angle controllers 530, and translationalmovement controllers 570 can operate independently or they may be undera single master controller 590 to coordinate the controls. The mastercontroller 590 may include a computer processor programmed to providecomputer control with or without operator input via a user interface andwith or without sensor input from position sensors, pneumatic sensors,mapping sensors, and the like.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a sample collectionprocess 600. Step 610 involves placing a circumferential ring tubing 400at or near an initiation end of the detection subject (e.g., at or abovea top of the detection subject), the circumferential ring tubingsurrounding a sample collection zone in an interior. Step 620 involvesmoving the circumferential ring tubing 400 translationally from a ringtubing initiation position to a ring tubing collection position (e.g.,vertically from a top ring tubing position to a bottom ring tubingposition in the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3) around the detection subjectin the sample collection zone.

Steps 630 to 660 may be performed during step 620 of moving thecircumferential ring tubing 400 from top to bottom. In step 630, air isblown through air nozzles 430 along a circumferential length of thecircumferential ring tubing 400 to direct air flow toward the detectionsubject as the circumferential ring tubing 400 is moved from the ringtubing initiation position to the ring tubing collection position, topush a sample of the detection subject via an air flow forward toward aplatform 330. In step 640, the air nozzles are oriented for blowing airinwardly toward the detection subject and forward toward the platform330. Step 650 involves detecting the shape and size of the detectionsubject, using sensors 420 disposed on the ring tubing 400, to producedetection data. In step 660, the circumferential length of thecircumferential ring tubing 400 is adjusted based on the detection datato change the size of the circumferential ring tubing 400, for example,to maintain the distance between the ring tubing 400 and the body of thedetection subject to within a preset distance range.

Step 670 involves collecting the sample of the detection subject carriedby the air flow in a receptacle 340 disposed beyond or adjacent theplatform 330 through collection openings. In step 680, the air flow ofthe sample is directed from the receptacle 340 through a channel 350connected to the receptacle through an outlet 360 to a sample analysislocation.

The sample collection apparatus benefits screening because it collectsparticles as well as vapor. The design is based on large molecularweights of explosives with respect to air (e.g., up to an order ofmagnitude larger or more) and the deficit of available sample. Featuressuch as the number of nozzles, air flow rates, and design of thecollection receptors and sample receptacle at the bottom may bedetermined or selected for optimization. Additional features includecompressed air connections, doors, and slides. The sample collectionzone or passenger portal may be open, partially enclosed, or completelyenclosed.

The detection subject is a stationary target. The directed air flowdrives the vapor and/or particles of the subject from the stationarytarget to an outlet where the canine is positioned which is generally astationary position. It is relatively easy to achieve appropriatepositioning of the canine in the stationary system to maximize the airflow and scents that the canine is able to analyze. The canine does notneed to move around in an open space to follow the subject beingdetected and choke points and crowds are of no concern.

Unlike the nonstationary or mobile environment in which fans are used togenerate air currents which assist the canine in detecting explosiveodor, the stationary environment (especially if the subject is enclosed)provides better and more reliable control of the air flow by eliminatingvariables of fan placement, crowd interference, other crowd or mobileeffects, and the like. It also eliminates the need for special trainingof canine to perform vapor wake screening such as that described in U.S.Pat. No. 10,213,509.

In one example, the ring of nozzles maintains a constant lateralposition (e.g., constant diameter of a circle) as it moves from the topring position to the bottom ring position. In another embodiment, thering of nozzles has an adjustable lateral position (e.g., varyingdiameter) to keep the nozzles in close proximity within a presetdistance range of the detection subject (i.e., moving inwardly to form asmaller ring around the head, moving outwardly to form a larger ringaround the shoulder and the core and the hip, and moving inwardly toform a smaller ring around the legs).

In one embodiment, the detection is performed by a dog which is used asa sniffing or scent detection mechanism. In another embodiment, thedetection is performed by another kind of animal with a superior senseof smell such as rodents and other mammals for scent detection.

FIG. 7 illustrates a computing system 700 including logic according toan embodiment. The computing system 700 includes a processing system 710having a hardware processor 725 configured to perform a predefined setof basic operations 730 by loading corresponding ones of a predefinednative instruction set of codes 735 as stored in the memory 715. Thecomputing system 700 further includes input/output 720 having userinterface 750, display unit 755, communication unit 760, and storage765. The computing system 700 can be used to implement some or all ofthe processes or operations of the controllers (510, 530, 540, and 570)in FIG. 5.

The memory 715 is accessible to the processing system 710 via the bus770. The memory 715 includes the predefined native instruction set ofcodes 735, which constitute a set of instructions 740 selectable forexecution by the hardware processor 725. In an embodiment, the set ofinstructions 740 include logic 745 representing various processor logicand/or modules. An example of such logic 745 is set forth in greaterdetail with respect to the flow diagram illustrated in FIG. 1. Each ofthe above-mentioned algorithms (e.g., MMWI, neutron imaging, and otherdetection algorithms and other imaging algorithms) can be a separatesystem or a module in an overall computer system 700. The various logic745 is stored in the memory 715 and comprises instructions 740 selectedfrom the predefined native instruction set of codes 735 of the hardwareprocessor 725, adapted to operate with the processing system 710 toimplement the process or processes of the corresponding logic 745.

A hardware processor may be thought of as a complex electrical circuitthat is configured to perform a predefined set of basic operations inresponse to receiving a corresponding basic instruction selected from apredefined native instruction set of codes. The predefined nativeinstruction set of codes is specific to the hardware processor; thedesign of the processor defines the collection of basic instructions towhich the processor will respond, and this collection forms thepredefined native instruction set of codes. A basic instruction may berepresented numerically as a series of binary values, in which case itmay be referred to as a machine code. The series of binary values may berepresented electrically, as inputs to the hardware processor, viaelectrical connections, using voltages that represent either a binaryzero or a binary one. These voltages are interpreted as such by thehardware processor. Executable program code may therefore be understoodto be a set of machine codes selected from the predefined nativeinstruction set of codes. A given set of machine codes may beunderstood, generally, to constitute a module. A set of one or moremodules may be understood to constitute an application program or “app.”An app may interact with the hardware processor directly or indirectlyvia an operating system. An app may be part of an operating system.

A computer program product is an article of manufacture that has acomputer-readable medium with executable program code that is adapted toenable a processing system to perform various operations and actions.Non-transitory computer-readable media may be understood as a storagefor the executable program code. Whereas a transitory computer-readablemedium holds executable program code on the move, a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium is meant to hold executable program code atrest. Non-transitory computer-readable media may hold the software inits entirety, and for longer duration, compared to transitorycomputer-readable media that holds only a portion of the software andfor a relatively short time. The term, “non-transitory computer-readablemedium,” specifically excludes communication signals such as radiofrequency signals in transit. The following forms of storage exemplifynon-transitory computer-readable media: removable storage such as a USBdisk, a USB stick, a flash disk, a flash drive, a thumb drive, anexternal SSD, a compact flash card, an SD card, a diskette, a tape, acompact disc, an optical disc; secondary storage such as an internalhard drive, an internal SSD, internal flash memory, internalnon-volatile memory, internal DRAM, ROM, RAM, and the like; and theprimary storage of a computer system.

Different terms may be used to express the relationship betweenexecutable program code and non-transitory computer-readable media.Executable program code may be written on a disc, embodied in anapplication-specific integrated circuit, stored in a memory chip, orloaded in a cache memory, for example. Herein, the executable programcode may be said, generally, to be “in” or “on” a computer-readablemedia. Conversely, the computer-readable media may be said to store, toinclude, to hold, or to have the executable program code.

The inventive concepts taught by way of the examples discussed above areamenable to modification, rearrangement, and embodiment in several ways.For example, this invention may be applicable for collecting samplesfrom inanimate objects as well as live detection subjects. Moreover, thesample analysis may involve types of analysis other than scent detectionusing animals. For example, a piece of illicit material detectionequipment such as an explosive trace detector (ETD) may be used toanalyze the collected sample in the sample analysis area or location.Accordingly, although the present disclosure has been described withreference to specific embodiments and examples, persons skilled in theart will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Certain attributes, functions, steps of methods, or sub-steps of methodsdescribed herein may be associated with physical structures orcomponents, such as a module of a physical device that, inimplementations in accordance with this disclosure, make use ofinstructions (e.g., computer executable instructions) that are embodiedin hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit, or thatmay cause a computer (e.g., a general-purpose computer) executing theinstructions to have defined characteristics. There may be a combinationof hardware and software such as processor implementing firmware,software, and so forth so as to function as a special purpose computerwith the ascribed characteristics. For example, in embodiments a modulemay comprise a functional hardware unit (such as a self-containedhardware or software or a combination thereof) designed to interface theother components of a system such as through use of an API. Inembodiments, a module is structured to perform a function or set offunctions, such as in accordance with a described algorithm. Thisdisclosure may use nomenclature that associates a component or modulewith a function, purpose, step, or sub-step to identify thecorresponding structure which, in instances, includes hardware and/orsoftware that function for a specific purpose. For anycomputer-implemented embodiment, “means plus function” elements will usethe term “means;” the terms “logic” and “module” and the like have themeaning ascribed to them above, if any, and are not to be construed asmeans.

The claims define the invention and form part of the specification.Limitations from the written description are not to be read into theclaims.

An interpretation under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) is desired only where thisdescription and/or the claims use specific terminology historicallyrecognized to invoke the benefit of interpretation, such as “means,” andthe structure corresponding to a recited function, to include theequivalents thereof, as permitted to the fullest extent of the law andthis written description, may include the disclosure, the accompanyingclaims, and the drawings, as they would be understood by one of skill inthe art.

To the extent the subject matter has been described in language specificto structural features and/or methodological steps, it is to beunderstood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or steps described. Rather,the specific features and steps are disclosed as example forms ofimplementing the claimed subject matter. To the extent headings areused, they are provided for the convenience of the reader and are not betaken as limiting or restricting the systems, techniques, approaches,methods, devices to those appearing in any section. Rather, theteachings and disclosures herein can be combined, rearranged, with otherportions of this disclosure and the knowledge of one of ordinary skillin the art. It is the intention of this disclosure to encompass andinclude such variation. The indication of any elements or steps as“optional” does not indicate that all other or any other elements orsteps are mandatory.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sample collection apparatus to collect samplefrom a detection subject disposed in a sample collection zone, thesample collection apparatus comprising: a receptacle; a circumferentialring tubing with an adjustable circumferential length positioned betweena first ring tubing position and a second ring tubing position disposedon at least two sides of the sample collection zone, the samplecollection zone encompassed by the circumferential ring tubing movablebetween the first ring tubing position and the second ring tubingposition, at least a portion of the sample collection zone beingdisposed between the first ring tubing position and the second ringtubing position; a plurality of air nozzles disposed within the samplecollection zone to direct targeted air flow within the sample collectionzone when the circumferential ring tubing is moved between the firstring tubing position to the second ring tubing position, and to push asample of the detection subject substantially toward the receptacle; aplurality of circumferential lengths for the circumferential ringtubing; and, adjustable actuators affixed along a periphery of thecircumferential ring tubing to adjust the circumferential length of thecircumferential ring tubing between a first circumferential length and asecond circumferential length.
 2. The sample collection apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the air nozzles are oriented between an angle of about0° horizontally inward toward the sample collection zone and an angle ofless in magnitude than about −90° vertically downward.
 3. The samplecollection apparatus of claim 2, wherein the air nozzles are orientedbetween an angle of about −5° inward toward the sample collection zoneand an angle of about −15° partially inward and partially downward. 4.The sample collection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circumferentialring tubing includes a plurality of linear tubes interlinked together;and, wherein the adjustable actuators are aligned with one or more ofthe plurality of linear tubes of the circumferential ring tubing tochange the circumferential length of the circumferential ring tubing toshrink the circumferential ring tubing to a smaller circumferentiallength and to expand the circumferential ring tubing to a largercircumferential length.
 5. The sample collection apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a plurality of sensors disposed on thecircumferential ring tubing to detect shape and size of the detectionsubject to produce detection data; and, a controller to control thecircumferential length adjusting telescoping actuators to adjust thecircumferential length of the circumferential ring tubing based on thedetection data.
 6. The sample collection apparatus of claim 5, whereinthe controller is configured to control the circumferential lengthadjusting telescoping actuators to adjust the circumferential length ofthe circumferential ring tubing to keep a distance between thecircumferential ring tubing and the detection subject to within a presetdistance range.
 7. The sample collection apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a plurality of translational stanchions to which thecircumferential ring tubing is slidably attached to traveltranslationally between the first ring tubing position and the secondring tubing position.
 8. The sample collection apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a platform on which the detection subject ispositioned; wherein the receptacle is disposed below the platform tocollect the sample of the detection subject carried by the targeted airflow through a plurality of collection openings of the platform to thereceptacle; and, wherein the first ring tubing position is disposedfarther away from the platform than the second ring tubing position. 9.A sample collection method to collect sample from a detection subjectdisposed in a sample collection zone, the method comprising: placing acircumferential ring tubing at a first ring tubing position at or near afirst side of the sample collection zone; moving the circumferentialring tubing translationally between the first ring tubing position and asecond ring tubing position at or near a second side of the detectionsubject opposite from the first side of the sample collection zone whichis surrounded by the circumferential ring tubing moving between thefirst ring tubing position and the second ring tubing position; blowingair through a plurality of air nozzles along a circumferential length ofthe circumferential ring tubing to direct an air flow toward the samplecollection zone as the circumferential ring tubing is moved between thefirst ring tubing position and the second ring tubing position to blowair toward the sample collection zone as the circumferential ring tubingis moved between the first ring tubing position and the second ringtubing position, and to push a sample of the detection subject via theair flow toward a receptacle, the sample including at least one ofparticles and vapor of the detection subject; and, adjusting acircumferential length of the circumferential ring tubing, using aplurality of circumferential length adjusting telescoping actuatorsdisposed on the circumferential ring tubing, to contract thecircumferential ring tubing by decreasing the circumferential length andto expand the circumferential ring tubing by increasing thecircumferential length as the circumferential ring tubing is movedbetween the first ring tubing position and the second ring tubingposition.
 10. The sample collection method of claim 9, furthercomprising: orienting the air nozzles for blowing air toward thedetection subject between an angle of about 0° horizontally inwardtoward the sample collection zone and an angle of less in magnitude thanabout −90° vertically downward.
 11. The sample collection method ofclaim 10, wherein the air nozzles are oriented between an angle of about−5° inward toward the sample collection zone and an angle of about −15°partially inward and partially downward.
 12. The sample collectionmethod of claim 9, wherein the circumferential ring tubing includes aplurality of linear tubes connected together; and wherein the pluralityof circumferential length adjusting telescoping actuators are coupledwith the plurality of linear tubes of the circumferential ring tubing toadjust a circumferential length of the circumferential ring tubing tocontract the circumferential ring tubing by decreasing thecircumferential length and to expand the circumferential ring tubing byincreasing the circumferential length.
 13. The sample collection methodof claim 9, further comprising: detecting shape and size of thedetection subject, using a plurality of sensors disposed on thecircumferential ring tubing, to produce detection data; and, controllingthe circumferential length adjusting telescoping actuators to adjust thecircumferential length of the circumferential ring tubing based on thedetection data.
 14. The sample collection method of claim 13, whereinthe circumferential length adjusting telescoping actuators arecontrolled to adjust the circumferential length of the circumferentialring tubing to keep a distance between the circumferential ring tubingand the detection subject to within a preset distance range based on thedetection data.
 15. The sample collection method of claim 9, furthercomprising: adjusting the circumferential length of the circumferentialring tubing, by controlling the circumferential length adjustingtelescoping actuators, to keep a distance between the circumferentialring tubing and the detection subject to within a preset distance range.16. The sample collection method of claim 9, further comprising:slidably attaching the circumferential ring tubing to a plurality oftranslational stanchions to travel translationally between the firstring tubing position and the second ring tubing position; and, movingthe circumferential ring tubing translationally between the first ringtubing position and the second ring tubing position.
 17. The samplecollection method of claim 9, further comprising: positioning thedetection subject on a platform; wherein the receptacle is disposedbelow the platform to collect the sample of the detection subjectcarried by the air flow through a plurality of collection openings ofthe platform to the receptacle; and, wherein the first ring tubingposition is disposed farther away from the platform than the second ringtubing position.
 18. A sample collection apparatus to collect samplefrom a detection subject disposed in a sample collection zone, thesample collection apparatus comprising: a sample receptacle; acircumferential ring tubing configured to be moved between a first ringtubing position and a second ring tubing position, the circumferentialring tubing including a plurality of air nozzles along a circumferentiallength of the circumferential ring tubing to direct an air flow towardthe sample collection zone as the circumferential ring tubing is movedbetween the first ring tubing position and the second ring tubingposition, to blow air toward the sample collection zone as thecircumferential ring tubing is moved between the first ring tubingposition and the second ring tubing position, and to push a sample ofthe detection subject via the air flow toward the sample receptacle, thesample including at least one of particles and vapor of the detectionsubject; and, a plurality of circumferential length adjustingtelescoping actuators to adjust a circumferential length of thecircumferential ring tubing to contract the circumferential ring tubingby decreasing the circumferential length and to expand thecircumferential ring tubing by increasing the circumferential length.19. The sample collection apparatus of claim 18, wherein the air nozzlesare oriented between an angle of about 0° horizontally inward toward thesample collection zone and an angle of about −30° partially inward andpartially forward.
 20. The sample collection apparatus of claim 18,wherein the circumferential ring tubing includes a plurality of lineartubes connected together; and, wherein the plurality of circumferentiallength adjusting telescoping actuators are coupled with the plurality oflinear tubes of the circumferential ring tubing to adjust acircumferential length of the circumferential ring tubing to contractthe circumferential ring tubing by decreasing the circumferential lengthand to expand the circumferential ring tubing by increasing thecircumferential length.
 21. The sample collection apparatus of claim 18,further comprising: means for mapping an outer surface of the detectionsubject to produce mapping data; and, a controller to control thecircumferential length adjusting telescoping actuators to adjust thecircumferential length of the circumferential ring tubing, based on themapping data, to keep a distance between the circumferential ring tubingand the outer surface of the detection subject to within a presetdistance range.
 22. The sample collection apparatus of claim 18, furthercomprising: means for guiding forward movement of the circumferentialring tubing between the first ring tubing position and the second ringtubing position.
 23. The sample collection apparatus of claim 18,further comprising: a platform on which the detection subject ispositioned; wherein the sample receptacle is disposed below the platformto collect the sample of the detection subject carried by the air flowthrough a plurality of collection openings of the platform to the samplereceptacle; and, wherein the first ring tubing position is disposedfarther away from the platform than the second ring tubing position.